Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Chicago Kicks Out Trump

Last Friday, the Windy City was having none of Donald Trump’s hot air. Thousands of youth, workers and women took to the streets of Chicago to protest the billionaire presidential candidate.

Julia Wallace

March 14, 2016
Facebook Twitter Share

Black, Muslim and Latino organizations united in a strong show of opposition at the University of Illinois where a Trump rally was set to take place. A few hundred entered the venue disguised as Trump supporters to protest inside, while thousands of others gathered outside and marched in the surrounding area. After several minutes, the event was called off and protesters streamed into the hall, tearing down Trump signs as they cheered. Outside, Trump protesters jeered — some even chanted “White Power” and raised their hands in the Nazi salute.

Four people were arrested and several were injured. Although there is video of Trump fans throwing punches and proudly presenting the Nazi salute, only anti-Trump protesters were arrested .

Since the protest, several different Trump-related events have been cancelled, including an event by DePaul University College of Law set to take place in the Chicago Trump Towers and another in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The protest tactics have varied, from several individuals sneaking into rallies and facing attacks, to mass mobilizations like last Friday’s, which demonstrated a marked advance in the solidarity between different groups — an advance in the struggle to challenge the unveiled bigotry and virulently hateful character of Donald Trump and his base.

Clinton tweeted, “Violence has no place in politics” — a sick joke by the former Secretary of State who bombed Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and assisted the coup in Honduras. Clinton also likened the protesters’ “violence” to that of the Charleston massacre, when white supremacist Dylan Roof shot and murdered nine Black people in a historically abolitionist church.

Neither Sanders nor Clinton have laid claim on the actions. Although he blamed Trump’s rhetoric for the violent confrontations, Sanders has not shown outright support for the protesters and has not called for united actions against the bigot billionaire mogul. In turn, Trump blamed Sanders completely (while sparing his longtime friend Hillary Clinton) and threatened to send his supporters to Sanders events. Trump also threatened last Friday’s protesters , saying he would press charges and “ruin their lives.”

While it is clear the bigotry and violence of Trump and his supporters are the cause of the heated clashes, it is not clear how the movement will advance to challenge the individual bigotry and systemic racism that Trump represents and advocates. Chicago demonstrated how a united and combative fight led by oppressed people can shut down a billionaire bigot. It also forced Clinton to reveal herself when she equated the bigots to the protesters of bigots.

White supremacist attacks against oppressed people are taking place throughout the country with disturbing frequency. Last month in Anaheim, California — a long-time stronghold of the Klu Klux Klan — Black and Latino youth shut down an attempted Klan march. In response, members of the Klan targeted and stabbed young people in the streets in broad daylight. Another stabbing took place just days later at nearby Huntington Beach, when an Illinois police officer targeted Muslim youth .

Trump’s anti-Muslim jingoist rhetoric serves as “inspiration” for these seemingly isolated violent attacks. In this context, the organization and mobilization of oppressed people, youth, women and working class people is a fundamental key to stopping white supremacist attacks. Chicago’s display of opposition to Trump is an inspiration, but can not remain an exceptional case. The mobilizations must oppose not only Trump and the hateful politics that he and his followers espouse, but also the capitalist system that gives people like him power, money and physical defense. The cops only targeted the oppressed and never the Klan or Trump supporters. Only independent, political organization by the oppressed and working class and self-defense against bigotry can stump the Trump and the phony good guys of the Democratic Party.

Through the organization of workers, women, Black, immigrant and other oppressed people will the tide of racism be shut down. Yesterday’s victory against Trump is a microcosm of the power of the working class and oppressed people.

Facebook Twitter Share

Julia Wallace

Julia is a contributor for Left Voice and has been a revolutionary socialist for over ten years. She served on the South Central Neighborhood Council in Los Angeles and is a member of SEIU Local 721. Julia organizes against police brutality and in defense of LGBTQ, women, and immigrants' rights. When she's not actively fighting the patriarchy, white supremacy and/or capitalism, she enjoys many things: she loves Thundercat, plays ultimate frisbee and is a founder of the team, "Black Lives Hammer."

United States

A hand holds up a sign that says "Palestine will be free" with a dove and a Palestinian flag on it

Detroit Will Breathe Statement Against the Repression of the Palestine Movement

Detroit Will Breathe's statement against the repression we've seen unleashed against protesters in the Palestine movement.

LAPD cracking down on the UCLA Palestine solidarity encampment on the evening of May 1.

Solidarity with the UCLA Encampment against Zionists and the LAPD

The Gaza Solidarity Encampment at UCLA was attacked by a mob of Zionists, then brutally cleared by the LAPD. The encampments need our full solidarity against cops and Zionists.

Julia Wallace

May 2, 2024
A stream of cops in riot gear pour into Columbia University,

NYPD Represses Columbia Students, Sets Up A Multi-Week Occupation of Campus

After a weeks-long stand-off between Columbia University student protesters and the administration, the university president has called the NYPD back on-to campus and asked them to stay for the rest of the semester.

Eleanor Volkova

May 1, 2024

CUNY Rank-and-File Workers Stand With the Student Encampment

PSC-CUNY rank-and-file academic workers held an open assembly at the CCNY Gaza solidarity encampment, where they voted unanimously to endorse the five demands of the students.

James Dennis Hoff

April 30, 2024

MOST RECENT

Healthcare workers at a pro-Palestine rally. Sign reads "Healthcare workds for a free palestine"

Healthcare Workers Stand in Solidarity with the Student Movement against Repression and for a Free Palestine

In response to the repression that university students have faced in the last weeks, we urge healthcare workers and their unions around the world to sign a solidarity letter against repression and for a free Palestine.

Mike Pappas

May 2, 2024
Police begin to storm City College of New York, CUNY Palestine solidarity encampment on the evening of April 30, 2024.

City University of New York Workers Announce Wildcat Sickout After NYPD Arrests Over 100 of Their Students and Colleagues

CUNY workers announced a wildcat sickout after NYPD raided City College's Gaza Solidarity Encampment. It's the first known job action in the PSC union’s 52-year history.

Left Voice

May 1, 2024
NYPD arrest protesters at City College of New York, CUNY, following a raid on the encampment for Palestine. April 30, 2024.

All Out for Gaza and against Police Repression on May Day

Just hours before May Day, NYPD attacked peaceful pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University and City College. As we march for a free Palestine, the working class must also march against the repression faced by those who stand up against the genocide.

Police Arrest and Pepper Spray Protesters at CCNY after CUNY Encampment Votes to Stay

After threats from CUNY officials earlier in the day, NYPD opened up a wave of repression against protesters at the City College of New York and threaten to move in on the encampment.

Sybil Davis

April 30, 2024